ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 6 December 1938, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT ATTRACTIONS MAJESTIC NOW SHOWING: OUTSTANDING MUSICAL. “ROMANCE IN THE DARK” Gladys Swarthout. John Boles and John Barrymore head the excellent east j in "Romance in the Dark,” which is now 'in season at the Majestic. It is of inI terest to note that President Rooseveit J after viewing this production personally wrote to Miss Swarthout and Mr Boles complimenting them on their glorious singing in this outstanding production. Paramount having discovered how to make Miss Swarthout into a screen personality, in ad- ! dition to a woman with a beautiful voice. She and John Boles contribute hrndsomely to the singing, the duet ! from “Don Giovanni,” “La Ci Darem La Mano,” so lovely in itself, being particularly well sung. This follows the discovery by the baritone that his housemaid can sing, and it leads to his realisation that there are other women in the world besides the Countess Monica (played by Claire Dodd) whom he and Barrymore are so amusingly !pi 1 suing. Intermingled with selections from such operas as “Carmen.” “The | Barber of Seville.” and “Song of India” : are a number of modern songs, such jas “To-night We Love.” “Blue Dawn” iand “Bewitched by Night..” “Romance | in the Dark” is taken on an admirably I light note. The singers are very much alive, and very busy in conducting j their various affairs. Boles is attended j by Fritz Feld, a comedian who injects into his work that touch of pathos which indicates artistry, and John J Barrymore has as his constant com-

panion a peculiarly useless but entertaining gentleman who describes himself as a confidential secretary. This is Curt Bois. remarkable for a capacity for sleep, but he awakes at the end. and just at the right moment, to give his employer a decided shock. Another of the Majestic’s renowned “shorts” programme is additional. Patrons are reminded of next Friday’s presentation, "Letter of Introduction.” with which is presented the travelogue of Nelson “Sunshine Province,” and which has reecived great praise elsewhere in New Zealand. STATE: FINAL SCREENING OF “HAPPY LANDING" TO-MORROW THE WORLD FAMOUS MUSICAL COMEDY, “THE LILAC DOMINO” Completing a highly successful season, Sonja Henie’s “Happy Landing” will be finally screened to-night. This dazzling star has in this her third picture maintained her great popularity. As last night witnessed an almost capacity audience patrons are urged to be early at this last screening. The State will present to-morrow the world famous musical comedy “The Lilac Domino,” one of the most popular musical comedies ever staged in London, Michael Bartlett, the American operatic star who sang his way to film prominence opposite Grace Moore in “Love Me Forever” and plays the leading male role. June Knight, the musical comedy star, plays opposite Bartlett as Shari. Szoke Szakall, famed Hungarian comedian whose reputation was born when he made the late Emperor Franz Josef laugh, brings his unique humour and unique name to the English screen in the role of the gypsy band leader, Sandor . “The Lilac Domino” was first staged at the Empire Theatre, London, in February 1918 and ran for 747 consecutive performances. For the screen it was produced by I. Goldschmid with Lee Garmes as associate producer. The director is Fred Zelnik who directed “Southern Roses.” Roy Clark had charge of the cameras. j REGENT: FINAL SCREENING. “BORN TO THE WEST” AND "LOVE ON j TOAST.” COMMENCING TO-MOR-ROW, GUEST NIGHT, “WAY DOWN EAST” AND “HIGH TENSION” "Way Down East” features Rochelle j Hudson and Henry Fonda, with Slim ' Summerville Edward Trevor, Margaret j Hamilton and Andy Devine in the chief I supporting roles. The story revolves about the character played by Miss' Hudson Appearing from nowhere, she ! applies for work on Russell Simpson’s farm, soon wins the love of his son. played by Henry Fonda, but for some mysterious reason fails to reciprocate his affection. The reason becomes apparent with time, however, as malicious gossips bring tales of the girl’s dubious past to the Squire’s ears. The drama j races to its thrilling close as Simpson i reveals the story of the girl’s shame, j then relents in his judgment before his I son’s fury, and his wife's pleas for! mercy. In one of the most thrilling I climaxes ever filmed. Miss Hudson is j rescued lrom an ice jam onto which i she has ventured in her agony, and the . man who had wronged her pays his; debt with his life in a moment of re- j morse and gallantry. The associate j feature. "High Tension.” is a high-speed ’ story, crowded with laughs, breezy ro- j mance, thrills at the bottom of the sea i and excitement ashore. With Brian j Don levy, Glenda Farrell. Norman Fos-! ter, Helen Wood and Robert McWade! featured at the head of the cast, the : * s a rapid-moving picture of the i I adventures of two dare-delils who re- ! j P air the breaks in the mighty cables! ! connecting the continents of the world. I ; Norman Foster. Helen Wood and Ro- i | bert McWade are also featured. Patrons j | are reminded that it is guest night, and J that there are no reserves.